Devitalization of tumors in the veterinary practice

MVDr. Roman Zedek,  April 15, 2002

I began to use devitalization of tumors in the spring of 1995 after reading an article on the experimental performance of this method in the research institute in Liběchov. This method attracted me by its easiness and relative simplicity.  In fact, it is based on a certain form of active immunization by products of the tumor breakdown, resulting from blockage of its nourishment by interruption of its vascular supply, both arterial and venous one. It is performed by ligature of the blood vessels leading to and from the tumor.  I perform this procedure by so called U-sutures provided through the whole basis of tumor by non-absorbable sewing material, concretely by the silk, size 5, because with the thinner sizes of thread, the tumor, which is being ligated, could be cut through.

My first case was a 6 year old Chow Chow dog with a 2-3 centimeter wide melanoma of spherical shape, localized on the vertex of his head. I ligated this melanoma by several radial sutures. Within three weeks the tumor regression  began, accompanied by an odor from the decomposing tissue. Since that time (March 1995) the dog has enjoyed good health without any other complications.

Another case of mine was a 4-year old German Shepherd dog with a tumor of the gums, where  all development was similar to the case of the Chow Chow. For a considerable distance of the patient, his checking and observation were complicated, but this patient has also lived for several years with no problems.
 
Another 16 patients were all females of various breeds, predominantly with sickness of the mammary glands and ovaries. The rate of success was at these operations around 80%, depending on the size of the tumor, health condition, and age of patients. Older and cachectic animals died within three months, while younger and strong ones endured operation without any significant problem. Some measures had to be repeated after three to four weeks, and the success rate decreased in these cases. In comparison, devitalization of tumors with different etiology had a success rate of 100%.

One another case I had may also be interesting: I performed ligature on sarcoid at the inside femoral area of a 4-year old warm-blooded female horse. Also this animal has survived already three years without complications.

I operated also a tumor of soft tissues in the lower jaw of a 14-month bull, whose observation was, however, ended after six months by his slaughter.

The course of the post-operative time is approximately as follows: Within one week, worsening of health condition comes, usually as a result of activity of the immune system. These complications subside usually during the following week. During this time I apply to the animals antibiotics plus enzyme lysozym in the speciality Lydium KLP. Under the normal sequence, within three weeks regression of the tumor occurs. At the same time, enlargement of regional lymphatic glands occurs, as response of the suction area to the performed attack, what is (in my opinion) a physiological phenomenon. I perform these operations under complete anesthesia and following the principles of operation surgery.

In conclusion, I would like to state that this method has a great chance to become useful in veterinary medicine, mainly for its financial unexpenditure and certain simplicity, while other methods of treatment of the cancer are not acceptable for the majority of breeders for their financial demand. Based on my experience, I can proclaim that these cases are regularly solved in the practice by classic surgery, followed, however, often by euthanasia.

Thank you for your attention.

MVDr. Roman Zedek

rzedek@quick.cz